On June 12, basketball woke up to the news that Jerry West, the legendary player and executive that inspired the NBA logo, died at age 86.
West is someone who needs little introduction. The Lakers legend broke multiple records during his 14-year playing career and is credited with producing the Los Angeles dynasty, which included Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
“Mr. Clutch” as he was known was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in a statement. West died with his wife Karen by his side.
Despite winning only one championship on the court, West is considered one of the best to do it. Take a look back at how his college and NBA careers fared and how he earned Hall of Fame status.
MORE: NBA world mourns passing of Lakers legend Jerry West
Jerry West college stats at West Virginia
While many perennial powerhouses attempted to recruit West out of high school, the Chelyan, West Virginia, native decided to stay home to play college basketball. As a result, he helped create one of the best college teams to never win a national championship.
While the Mountaineers never claimed a national championship, West still led them to three of their best ever seasons. While he was on the court, they went 81-12 in three…
